Recovering from a heart valve surgery can usually take 4 to 8 weeks. In the case of minimally invasive surgery, you may even recover sooner. Also, when you leave the hospital, you’ll be given detailed instructions for medications, exercise, ongoing wound care, and resume your daily chores. You will be encouraged to follow precautions to avoid complications while remaining healthy. So, if you have recently undergone a heart valve implant and are wondering how to take precautions, you are at the right place!

Here, we will discuss in detail, with the help of Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgery doctor in India, what precautions you need to take after having your heart valve implant. So let’s get started!

What Should You Eat After Having Heart Valve Surgery?

After heart valve surgery, you must focus on what you eat and build a healthy diet. It will help your body heal and reduce the risk of complications. Ideally, your diet should include:

Meat- Eat meat or alternatives such as eggs, tofu, legumes, and nuts.
Dairy- Low-Fat Dairy products.
Healthy Fats- A large amount of healthy fats and oil from nuts, seeds, avocado, and fish oil.
Fish- Include two servings of oily fish per week, such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines, which will aid you get plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Wholegrains- You can include wholemeal or wholegrain bread or crackers, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, quinoa, barley, rye, rolled oats, polenta, and couscous.
Water- Avoid extra added sugar soft drinks and quit drinking alcohol.
Reduce your Salt Intake- Use salt in a minimal ration when cooking as this will help to lower your blood pressure and prevent fluid retention.
Avoid Sugary Foods- They can contribute to further weight gain. Make sure you avoid them for faster recovery.

Other Lifestyle Changes That You Need To Make:

Physical Activities- Engage in regular, moderate exercise as your doctor recommends. However, make sure you avoid strenuous activities that can strain your heart.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Follow your heart doctor's recommendations regarding antibiotic prophylaxis before certain medical procedures to prevent infections that could affect the heart valve.
Infections: Take precautions to avoid infections. Make a routine of practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding meeting sick and unhealthy individuals, and seeking medical attention if you suspect any sign of infection.
Dental Care: Remember to inform your dentist about your heart valve surgery and follow proper dental hygiene to avoid infections.
Regular Monitoring: Make a habit of keeping track of your blood pressure, and if you experience any unusual symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, consult your doctor right away like

Final Words

Heart valve surgery is performed to repair or replace a valve that’s too narrow or doesn’t close right. The valves are needed to work effectively to help blood flow in the right direction through your heart. Heart surgery options can be open, minimally invasive, or through veins to access your heart. Depending on the surgery, it may take one to two months to recover. Taking precautions after the surgery is also crucial to ensure treatment success and to expect desired results.

If you have recently undergone a heart valve surgery or are planning to do so. In that case, you can consult Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, one of the best doctors for Heart Valve Surgery in Delhi. He has over three decades of experience and has successfully treated thousands of patients.
You can book your appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad by visiting Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today!